2019 Querciabella Palafreno Toscana IGT

Made from 100% Merlot

After a mild and dry winter, a cool, wet spring triggered a relatively slow growing season. However, the flowering and fruit set went well, anticipating a phenomenal harvest in quality and quantity. The first week of May saw the temperatures soar, and this heat continued through the Summer. It may have been torrid at times, but there were no problems with drought stress thanks to the abundant water reserves after the spring rains. September brought the desired day/night temperature differences, and excellent phenolic ripeness was achieved with beautiful skin-to-pulp ratios.

Ruffoli, Greve in Chianti. Cipresso and Marrone. The Merlot for Palafreno comes exclusively from two similar sites at around 350–400 m a.s.l. The vineyards grow on rugged, loose galestro soils, with a south, south-west orientation. The grapes from higher up the slope show distinct concentration and intensity, whereas those from the lower sides, richer in clay, have a fresher, more ethereal delivery